NIDEREF

EVENTS
A workshop on Conflict Prevention and Sustainable Natural Resources Exploitation in the Ogoni and Andoni Area was held at El-Queen Hotels in Bori, Khana Local Government Area on September 30, 2009.

The workshop started with an address presented by Professor Ben Naanen, a Trustee of NIDEREF. The address is entitled Natural Resources, Gender and Conflict in the Niger Delta. In the address, he opined that the workshop is a continuation of NIDEREF’s programme on natural resources, environment and conflict prevention which seeks to explore practical ways in which the communities in the Niger Delta can exploit the natural resources of the region in sustainable ways that guarantee future availability of the resources, protect the environment and prevent or resolve conflicts resulting from competition over resources. Read Prof. Naanen's address
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The first paper was presented by Dr. Kiikpoye K. Aaron, a Lecturer at the Department of Political Science and Administrative Studies, University of Port Harcourt. He spoke on Approaches to Conflict Prevention in the Niger Delta. He exposed the existing approaches to conflict prevention in Niger Delta which he said are not issues of long-standing marginalization in the Niger Delta communities. He suggested reconciliation, best practice and justice as the way forward.Read Dr. Aaron's Paper Presentation
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The second paper was presented by an environmental scientist Mr. Nenniibarini Zabbey, the Head, Environmental and Conservation, Centre for Environment, Human Rights and Development (CEHRD) and a lecturer, Department of Animal Science and Fisheries, University of Port Harcourt. He spoke on How to Ensure Peaceful and Sustainable Natural Resources Exploitation and Ecosystem Protection: the Case of Ogoni and Andoni. He proposed strategies and modalities to ensure peaceful co-existence and sustainable resources utilization for better environment, especially, as it relates to Ogoni and Andoni.
Read Zabbey's Paper Presentation
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The third paper was presented by Mrs. Chenedum Adebomi, Snr. Programme Officer on Peace Building and Good Governance at Stalkholder Democracy Network (SDN). She spoke on Violence against Women in Conflict Situation in the Niger Delta. She highlighted the importance of women in peace building, examined the rights of women in the international context and the causes of conflict in the Niger Delta. She also shares some research findings on violence against women in conflict situations in the region, while proffering a way forward for women who are adversely affected by violent conflict.Read Chinedum speech
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A communiqué was issued at the end of the workshop by participants from Andoni and Ogoni who agree to live in peace and monitor the protection of their common ecosystem and handle any conflict that will arise among them. Read The communique
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A 12 member Peace and Environmental Council (PEC) has been set up comprising members from each of the coastal communities of Andoni and Ogoni to carry on the responsibilities enshrined in the communiqué. Continue on next page: